Delivery device for rooftop equipment and systems and method of installation

ABSTRACT

Rooftop device for delivering electrical power, plumbing, lines and other systems from the inside of a building to the outside of the building to equipment and systems installed on the rooftop. The device comprises a powder coated white NEMA 4 enclosure to reduce corrosion and minimize the effects of heat buildup in the enclosures during high temperature exposure. A GFCI circuit breaker in the enclosures allows electricians to move electrical power from the closes source, which reduces installation costs. The device comprises MCB or MCP disconnect switches which will provide faster and more precise protection to equipment and the circuits that supply them, and ethernet cable, coaxial cable, conductor thermostat wire. A mounting assembly, comprising a flashing and a cleat, and a vice assembly cooperate to apply pressure from the outside of the rooftop and from the inside of the roof, providing a more secure, dryer fit for roof penetrations.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is based on and claims priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 17/453,554 which is entitled DELIVERY DEVICE FORROOFTOP EQUIPMENT AND SYSTEMS AND METHOD OF INSTALLATION, filed Nov. 4,2021, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to devices such as junctionboxes for delivering power to electrical equipment and systems. Moreparticularly, but not by way of limitation, the present inventionrelates to devices for delivering power to electrical equipment andsystems installed on a rooftop. Methods of using devices for deliveringrooftop power and installing devices for delivering rooftop power alsoare provided.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a rooftop delivery device forsupplying electric power, plumbing and lines to equipment and systemspositioned on a roof. The rooftop delivery device comprises a mountingassembly, comprising a flashing positioned above the roof; a moveablecleat positioned below the roof wherein the moveable cleat is adapted toapply pressure from the outside of the rooftop and from the inside ofthe roof to secure the rooftop delivery device to the roof; and a viceassembly for clamping the flashing and the cleat against the roof.

The present invention further directed to a method of installing arooftop delivery device on a roof structure having an exterior surfaceand an interior surface for the delivery of electric power, plumbing andlines to equipment and systems on the roof. The method comprises thesteps of providing a flashing on the exterior surface of the roofstructure; providing a moveable cleat beneath the interior surface ofthe roof structure, the moveable cleat being adapted to apply pressurefrom the outside of the rooftop and from the inside of the roof tosecure the rooftop delivery device to the roof; and providing a viceassembly for moving the cleat toward the interior surface of the roofstructure and clamping the flashing against the exterior surface of theroof and the cleat against the interior surface of the roof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an illustrative devicefor delivering rooftop power, the device constructed in accordance withthe present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front plan view of the device of FIG. 1 , but with theaddition of gussets.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 illustrates an interior view of the components inside theenclosure of the rooftop power delivery device of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 5 is a cross-section view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 6 shows a frontal view of an illustrative mounting assembly for therooftop power delivery device of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 7 shows a top plan view of a flashing component comprising themounting assembly of FIG. 6 .

FIG. 8 shows a top plan view of a cleat component comprising themounting assembly of FIG. 6 .

FIG. 9A illustrates a side view of an illustrative L-bracket used in thevice assembly of FIG. 6 .

FIG. 9B illustrates a front view of the vertical component of theL-bracket shown in FIG. 6 .

FIG. 9C illustrates a front view of the horizontal component of theL-bracket shown in FIG. 6 .

FIG. 10 shows a side, front or rear view of a stand comprising therooftop power delivery device of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 11 illustrates the L-brackets positioned on the stand with thehorizontal portion of the L-bracket positioned proximal the cleat.

FIG. 12 shows a bottom view of the mounting assembly of FIG. 6 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Building designs frequently evolve with changes in technology and usagerequirements for commercial, industrial and residential structures.Rooftops are now more frequently employed by designers, architects andengineers for the purpose of mooring electrical equipment and systems toadvance the interests of economy and design.

Building, plumbing and electrical codes consequently are updated to keeppace with the advancements in technology and evolutions in buildingdesign, including the provision of service receptacles and equipmentdisconnects for safety and convenience. For example, the NationalElectrical Code (NEC) requires a 125-volt, single-phase, 15- or20-ampere-rated service receptacle located within 25 feet of heating,air-conditioning, or refrigeration equipment, indoor service equipment,and equipment that requires dedicated space from NEC Section 110.26(E),which includes switchboards, switchgear, panelboards, motor controlcenters. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection is requiredfor all receptacles specified in Section 210.63 regardless of whether itis outside, including on a rooftop, inside, in an attic or in anelectrical equipment room that is considered a dry location. Some codesalso require minimum clearances for rooftop electrical terminations anda minimum number of power receptacles to match the type and number ofequipment or electrical systems installed on a roof.

In order to supply electrical power to rooftop equipment and systems,conventional roof mounted enclosures for electrical power connectionspenetrate the roof decking and impair the integrity of the roof,increasing the risk of leaks and necessitating repairs. Roofpenetrations also cause construction delays and increase costs. Severalconventional raintight enclosures or junction boxes are available. Toqualify for use on a rooftop, the junction box must meet NationalElectrical Manufacturer Association (NEMA) 3 ratings, meaning that theenclosure must be constructed for either indoor or outdoor use toprovide a degree of protection to personnel against access to hazardousparts, to provide a degree of protection of the equipment inside theenclosure against ingress of solid foreign objects, such as fallingdirt, to provide a degree of protection with respect to harmful effectson the equipment due to the ingress of water, such as rain, sleet andsnow, and that will be undamaged by the external formation of ice on theenclosure.

In addition, the junction box or enclosure must be mounted in thecorrect orientation to minimize risk of leaks and damage. Manyconventional enclosures cannot be installed in a downward direction.Conventional devices use gasket sealed plastic boxes placed under theelectrical array to provide protection. Lengths of PV wire with MC4connectors mate with modules, and then run into a junction box totransition to Thermoplastic High Heat-resistant Nylon coated (THHN)wire. Wire nut splices can be used, although junction blocks orwater-resistant splices are employed with conventional rooftop devices.Conventional devices require multiple penetrations through the roof toadd stability to these devices.

NEC codes require that the wires be labeled on all exposed junctionboxes and conduit. If the inverter is a grounded type, grounded wiremust be white and ungrounded wire black. Although regulations dictatethe color codes for electrical wires, particularly for grounded wires,there is disparity in the use of correctly coded wires. Someelectricians use black as the negative wire and red as the positivewire. Red wire fades to white if exposed to sunlight, so someelectricians tape the ends of a black wire with red tape. Additionally,lead wires should not use the electrical convention of black and whitewires. Code permits gray to substitute for grounded conductors andorange for the ungrounded conductors.

The subject invention addresses these deficiencies and more and isdirected to a rooftop power drop device that delivers electric powerfrom the inside of a building to equipment and systems installed on theoutside of the building on a rooftop. The device comprises a white,powder coated enclosure, disconnects to provide protection for thecircuitry and equipment to which power is delivered, a communicationsmodule, a mounting assembly and a vice assembly. The mounting assemblycomprises a cleat that allows application of pressure from the outsideof the rooftop and from the inside of the roof, providing a more secureand dryer fit. Flashing is welded to the stand that is installed on therooftop. The stand of the invention goes through the roof through holesized for the application, depending on the equipment being installed,with a matching cleat installed on the stand from the inside. Thesubject invention also has applicability for any piping, tubes, linesand other conduits that must pass from the interior of a structurethrough the roof, such as plumbing lines, freon lines, condensationlines, and the like.

For installation, the device is placed through a perforation created inthe roof. From the inside of the roof, the cleat slides onto the bottomof the stand. Traveler screws are threaded through brackets that areinserted in key slots on the stand for ease of installation. Thetraveler screws are screwed down, which moves the cleat up toward theinside of the roof. When the cleat is pressed firmly against the insideof the roof, the traveler screws apply a downward pressure on the stand,which pulls the flashing firmly against the top of the roof for asturdier and drier fit. This enables the cleat to grab the roof from theinside and from outside of the building, which gives the device a morestable fit and minimize leaks. These and other advantages of theinvention will be described in more detail.

Turning now to the drawings in general, and to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 inparticular, there is shown therein an illustrative rooftop powerdelivery device 10 constructed in accordance with the present invention.The rooftop power delivery device 10 comprises an enclosure 12 forhousing electrical components, which are yet to be described. The device10 further comprises a mounting assembly 14, and a vice assembly 18. Themounting assembly includes at least one stand 20, at least one cleat 22,and at least one flashing 28. It will be appreciated that the stand 20may be part of the mounting assembly 14 or may be a component separatefrom the mounting assembly. The vice assembly 18 comprises one or morebrackets 24 and securing means, such as traveler screws 26, for clampingthe flashing 28 and the cleat 22 against the roof.

The enclosure 12 houses electrical components and protects them fromdamage and elements. The enclosure 12 may be comprised of a variety ofmaterials including metals, such as carbon steel, galvanized steel,stainless steel, aluminum, chrome, steel chrome-plated, steel withnickel/silicon carbide composite coating, brass, brass-chrome plated,brass with nickel/silicon carbide composite, stainless steel, stainlesschrome-plated, stainless with nickel/silicon carbide composite coating,carbonitrided steel, nickel carbide plated steel, tempered steel, andnon-metals, such as polycarbonate or polyvinylchloride. Nonmetals, suchas polycarbonate or polyvinylchloride, may be suitable materials for theenclosure 12 in some applications, such as water treatment and marine ormarina applications. The enclosure 12 preferably meets NEMA 3, 3R, 3S,4, 4X, 6, 6P, 12 or 13 standards. In one embodiment of the invention,the enclosure 12 meets or exceeds NEMA 4 ratings.

Turning now to FIG. 4 , but with continuing reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and3 , the enclosure 12 comprises a door 30 and latch 32 to enable accessto the interior electrical components, yet to be described. Many doorand window configurations and latch/lock options are available for usewith the enclosure 12 of the rooftop power delivery device 10. The door30 may comprise an outdoor weatherproof cover, including a weatherproofseal 36, and is operatively connected via one or more hinges 38.

The enclosure 12 may be any color, although in one embodiment of theinvention, the enclosure is powder coated in the color white to reducecorrosion and minimize effects of heat buildup during high temperatureexposure, particularly on a rooftop where heat levels may be excessive.Data gathered from significant testing and monitoring of the effects ofdirect sunlight on heat buildup inside the enclosure 12 shows that thecolor white yields significant reduction in resulting temperatures andthermal energy inside the enclosure. Because GFCI receptacles have asuggested operating temperature of approximately 104 degrees Fahrenheit,it is important to maintain recommended operating temperatures withinthe enclosure 12.

The shape of the enclosure is variable, including cylindrical,spherical, cubed, cuboid, prismatic or pyramidal. In one embodiment ofthe invention, the shape of enclosure 12 is a cuboid or rectangularprism having one dimension that is longer than the other two dimensions.The dimensions of the enclosure 12 should be sized for the particularapplication in which the rooftop power delivery device 10 is to bedeployed. For example, the enclosure may range in size from about 1.5inches (42 mm) wide and about 1.5 inches (42 mm) deep and about 2.95inches (75 mm) high to about 36 inches (91.44 cm) wide and about 36inches (91.44 cm) deep and about 48 inches (121.92 cm) high. Referencesherein to measurements and diameters are to outside measurements anddiameters, unless specifically stated to reference an inner diameter ormeasurement. Methods known in the art for sizing junction boxed may beused to size the enclosure 12 of the rooftop power delivery device 10.

It will be appreciated that the shape and size of the enclosure 12 mayaccommodated to the particular application. For example, the size andshape of the enclosure for HVAC and plumbing applications generally mayrequest a larger enclosure than for electrical applications. It willalso be appreciated that the rooftop power deliver device may beemployed without an enclosure 12 via the use of a gasket, not shown,which directs communication cables, wires, cords and bus bars directlyfrom the stand 20 for connection with rooftop equipment and systems.

The enclosure 12 is in communication with and is supported by themounting assembly 14, including one or more stands 20, one or morecleats 22, one or more brackets 24, securing means such as travelerscrews 26, and one or more flashings 28. The stand 20 extends throughand penetrates the roof in a manner yet to be described and supports theenclosure 12 on the rooftop. It will be appreciated that the stand 20may be part of the mounting assembly 14 or may be a separate componentindependent from the mounting assembly.

The stand 20 may be any shape, including cylindrical, spherical, cubed,cuboid, prismatic or pyramidal. The shape of the stand 20 may match theshape of the enclosure 12, and while matching the shape of the stand 20and the enclosure 12 is unnecessary, this may be advantageous forcertain applications and space requirements or for conditions at thesite.

The stand 20 serves a variety of functions. The stand 20 supports theenclosure 12 directly off the roof, thus mitigating the deleteriouseffects of heat, humidity, corrosion, water intrusion and other elementsand physical threats. The stand 20 also forms an enclosed conduit, orraceway, for the transition of communication cables, wires, cords andbus bars 40 from inside a building or structure to the enclosure 12 ofthe rooftop power delivery device 10. The cables, wires, cords and busbars 40 include, without limitation, ethernet cable, coaxial cable, andfive conductor thermostat wire.

The stand 20 may be comprised of the same material as the enclosure 12,including metals, such as, carbon steel, galvanized steel, stainlesssteel, aluminum, chrome, steel chrome-plated, steel with nickel/siliconcarbide composite coating, brass, brass-chrome plated, brass withnickel/silicon carbide composite, stainless steel, stainlesschrome-plated, stainless with nickel/silicon carbide composite coating,carbonitrided steel, nickel carbide plated steel, tempered steel, andnon-metals, such as polycarbonate or polyvinylchloride. The stand alsomay be comprised of rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit,electro metallic tubing, electric nonmetallic tubing, nonmetallicunderground conduit, flexible metallic tubing, or greenfield spiralmetal flexible conduit. In one embodiment of the invention, the stand 20is comprised of carbon steel.

Turning now to FIG. 5 , but with continuing reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3and 4 , the enclosure 12 forms an aperture 42 on a bottom side 44 of theenclosure for receiving the stand 20. The stand 20 has an upper end 46and a lower end 48. The upper end 46 of the stand 20 is connected to theenclosure 12 at or through the aperture 42 in a variety of ways suitablefor sealing the communication therebetween and protecting the cables,wires, cords and bus bars 40 and the contents of the enclosure 12 fromheat, humidity, corrosion, water intrusion and other elements andphysical threats.

It will be appreciated that the rooftop power delivery device 10 maycomprise more than one stand 20, providing multiple throughways for thepassage of the communication cables, wires cords and bus bars 40. In oneembodiment of the invention, only one stand 20 is employed and containsall of the necessary communications cables, wires, cords and bus bars 40enclosed within one stand to reduce the need for multiple penetrationsthrough the roof, while still providing stability and strength to thedevice 10.

In one embodiment of the invention, the enclosure 12 and the stand 20are comprised of carbon steel and are connected with a solid weld aroundthe aperture 42 to create a water tight seal between the stand 12 andthe enclosure 20. The welds preferably meet American Welding Society(AWS) Section D (Structural Welding Code—Steel) 1.1 and 1.3. The stand20 also may be secured to the enclosure 12 via rivets, adhesive, such asepoxies, polyurethane and cyanoacrylate, studs, brazing, soldering, spotwelding or nuts and bolts and combinations of the foregoing.

The cables, wires, cords and bus bars 40 deliver electric power tocomponents within the enclosure 12, which now will be described.Protectively housed with the enclosure 12 are one or more GFCIreceptacles and/or GFCI circuit breakers 52, one or more ethernetconnections 54, one or more thermostats 56, a control panel, and agrounding wire 57. The communications cables 40 thus include ethernetcables, coaxial cables, and thermostat cables for ease of buildingmanagement systems to communicate with rooftop equipment and dishcommunication. Accordingly, it will now be understood that the size ordiameter of the stand 20 is sufficient to house the plurality ofcommunications cables, wires, cords and bus bars 40. The has a diameteror width, depending upon the shape of the stand 20, which is variabledepending upon the application and may range from about 0.5 inches (1.27cm) to about 35 inches (88.9 cm). More particularly, the diameter orwidth of the stand may range from about 2 inches (5.08 cm) to about 6inches (10.16 cm). The GFCI receptacle and/or circuit breaker 52 mayhave a switch 61 for cutting power to the circuit.

The rooftop power delivery device 10 further may comprise a GFCI circuitbreaker with a standard weather protected receptacle or a weatherprotected GFCI receptacle. THE GFCI receptacle or circuit breaker 52protects the entire circuit, including the cables, wires, cords and busbars 40 and all equipment and systems connected to the circuit. Acombination GFCI receptacle and GFCI circuit breaker 52 allowsinstallers to obtain electrical power from the closest available circuitrather than from the closest source, which reduces installation costs inmany cases. In cases where an Arc Fault Circuit Breaker (AFCI)protection is also called for, there are dual function GFCI/AFCI circuitbreakers that can be employed in the invention.

Additionally, some codes require a minimum number of receptacles,disconnects or receptacles with disconnects, depending on the types ofequipment and electrical systems installed on a roof. Therefore, ratherthan using fused switches and non-fused switches as a means ofdisconnect, a Molded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB) and/or a Motor StarterProtector (MCP) 53, which provide faster and more precise protection toequipment and the circuits that supply them.

The thermostat 56 may be connected to the IOT. As used herein, “TOT”means “Internet of Things” and refers to a network of physical objectsthat feature an IP address for internet connectivity and thecommunication that occurs between these objects and otherInternet-enabled devices and systems. In the present invention, thethermostat may comprise one or more Wi-Fi or hard-wired thermostatsallowing remote monitoring and control of electrical equipment andsystems and providing alerts via a computer, smartphone, SMS, tablet orother Internet enabled device.

Turning now to FIG. 6 , the mounting assembly 14 will be described. Themounting assembly 14 applies pressure from both the top and bottomsurfaces of the roofing structure, thus minimizing the number ofpenetrations and the risk of leaks while providing a secure fit for therooftop power delivery device 10. The mounting assembly 14 includes atleast one stand 20, at least one cleat 22, a mounting assembly 14, and avice assembly 18. The mounting assembly includes at least one stand 20,at least one cleat 22, and at least one flashing 28. As mentionedpreviously, the stand 20 may be part of the mounting assembly 14 or maybe a component separate from the mounting assembly. The vice assembly 18comprises one or more brackets 24 and securing means, such as travelerscrews 26, for clamping the flashing 28 and the cleat 22 against theroof. The mounting assembly 14 and vice assembly 18 cooperate tominimize leaks due to penetrations through the roof while supplyingsufficient pressure of at least 3 lb.-ft (4.07 N-m) from both the outertop surface and the interior bottom surface of the roof structure.

The components of the mounting assembly 14 and the vice assembly 18 maybe comprised of metals, such as carbon steel, galvanized steel,stainless steel, aluminum, chrome, steel chrome-plated, steel withnickel/silicon carbide composite coating, brass, brass-chrome plated,brass with nickel/silicon carbide composite, stainless steel, stainlesschrome-plated, stainless with nickel/silicon carbide composite coating,carbonitrided steel, nickel carbide plated steel, tempered steel, andnon-metals, such as polycarbonate or polyvinylchloride. In oneembodiment of the invention, the components of the mounting assembly 14and the vice assembly 18 are comprised of carbon steel. The dimensionsof the mounting assembly 14 are variable, depending in part on the sizeof the enclosure 12 and the application for which the rooftop powerdeliver system 10 is employed.

The flashing 28 comprises a central aperture 60 that is sized and shapedto receive the stand 20, as illustrated in FIG. 7 . The flashing 28 issecured to the stand 20 with a solid weld around the aperture 60 tocreate a water tight seal between the stand 12 and the flashing 28. Theweld preferably meets American Welding Society (AWS) Section D(Structural Welding Code—Steel) 1.1 and 1.3. The flashing 28 also may besecured to the stand 20 via rivets, adhesive, such as epoxies,polyurethane and cyanoacrylate, studs, brazing, soldering, spot weldingor nuts and bolts and combinations of the foregoing.

The flashing 28 may be any shape, but is substantially planar, and has adimension that is variable depending upon the application and the sizeof the enclosure 12 and the stand 20. The length and width of theflashing 28 may range from about 4 inches (10.16 cm) to about 50 inches(127 cm), and more particularly from about 10 inches (25.4 cm) to about20 inches (50.8) cm. In one embodiment of the invention, the flashing 28forms a generally planar square, optionally with rounded corners, and isabout 15.75 inches (40 cm) in both length and width. Being generallyplanar, the width of the flashing 28 is no more than about 1 inch (2.54cm) or less in thickness or depth.

The rooftop power delivery device 10 is positioned with the flashing 28on top of the roof on which the rooftop power delivery device 10 is tobe installed. The stand 20 extends through a perforation created in theroof that is sized and shaped to receive the stand. To that end, thelength of the stand 20 is dependent upon the total depth of thematerials comprising the roof structure and is sufficient to enable roofpenetration while supporting the enclosure 12 off the surface of theroof. The length of the stand 20 may vary from about 12 inches (30.48cm) to about 100 inches (254 cm), and, more particularly, from about 24inches (60.1 cm) to about 60 inches (152.4) inches, when accommodatingan enclosure. The stand 20 has a diameter which ranges from about 2inches (5.08 cm) to about 6 inches (15.24 cm).

The rooftop power delivery device 10 may further comprise one or moregussets 25 positioned above the flashing 28. As illustrated in FIG. 2 ,the one or more gussets 25 are generally triangular in shape and extendfrom the stand 20 above to the flashing 28 toward each corner of theflashing. To that end, the number of gussets 25 number four when theflashing 28 is square or rectangular in shape. The gussets 25 may bemade from the same material as the stand 20 and/or the flashing 28 andwelded thereto. The rooftop power delivery device 10 is designed towithstand wind forces up to 150 miles per hour, whether from tornado,hurricane or straight line winds, and the gussets 25 provide additionalstrength to the device further increasing its strength and rigidity.

The cleat 22 of the mounting assembly 14 forms a central aperture 62through which the stand 20 is positioned, as shown in FIG. 8 . The cleat22 is positioned from the underside or interior of the roof, beneath theflashing 28 and at a sufficient distance from the flashing toaccommodate the thickness of the roof. The length and width of the cleat22 may range from about 4 inches (10.16 cm) to about 50 inches (127 cm),and more particularly from about 10 inches (25.4 cm) to about 20 inches(50.8) cm. In one embodiment of the invention, the cleat 22 forms agenerally planar square, optionally with rounded corners, and is about15.75 inches (40 cm) in both length and width. Being generally planar,the cleat 22 ranges from about 0.125 inches (0.3175 cm) to about 1 inch(2.54 cm) in thickness or depth.

The size and shape of both the cleat 22 and the flashing 28 may beidentical, or they may differ. It is generally preferred that the sizeand shape of the cleat 22 and the flashing 28 be identical or similar tofacilitate uniform application of pressure and the uniform distributionof force to the roof structure.

A vice assembly 18 clamps the flashing 28 and the cleat 22 against theroof. In some embodiments of the invention, the vice assembly may beconsidered a component of the mounting assembly 14. In one embodiment ofthe invention, the vice assembly 18 comprises brackets 24 that securethe cleat 22 to the stand 20.

The brackets 24 may comprise L-brackets, having a vertical portion 50and a horizontal portion 52, as shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C, each ofwhich has a length. The length of the vertical portion 50 and the lengthof the horizontal portion 52 of the L-bracket 24 may be substantiallyequal, or the length of the horizontal portion 52 may be greater thanthe length of the vertical portion. The length of the vertical portionof 50 preferably is not greater than the length of the horizontalportion 52, for a purpose yet to be described. The cleat 22 has adiameter and the length of the horizontal portion 52 is substantiallyequal to one-half of the diameter of the cleat 22 less the diameter ofthe stand 20. The horizontal portion 52 of the L-bracket 24 generallyextends from the stand to the outer edge of the cleat 22. In oneembodiment of the invention, the vertical portion 50 and the horizontalportion 52 of the L-bracket 24 are approximately equal and are about 5inches (12.7 cm) in length.

The L-brackets 24 also have a width and a thickness which may vary withthe particular application. The thickness of the L-brackets 24 rangesfrom about 0.125 inches (0.3175) to about 0.5 inches (1.27) and a widthwhich ranges from about 1 inch (2.54 cm) to about 3 inches (7.62 cm).Increasing the width and/or thickness of the L-bracket 24 increases thestrength of the vice assembly 18, without increasing the length of thehorizontal portion 52 of the L-bracket.

The L-brackets 24 are secured to the stand 20 with bolts (not shown) viaa plurality of apertures, such as key slots 58, shown in FIG. 10 ,formed in the stand that mate with apertures 59 formed in the verticalportion 50 of the L-bracket 24, as shown in FIG. 9B. It will beappreciated that the L-brackets 24 and the key slots 58 may bepositioned on the stand 20 so that the horizontal portion 52 of theL-bracket is positioned distally, or away from, the cleat 22 near thelower end 48 of the stand 20, as shown in FIG. 6 . Alternatively, theL-brackets 24 and the key slots 58 may be positioned on the stand 20 sothat the horizontal portion 52 is positioned proximally the cleat 22, asshown in FIG. 11 .

The cleat 24 also forms lateral apertures 64 therethrough, shown in FIG.8 , which mate with apertures 56 formed in the horizontal portion 52 ofeach of the plurality of L-brackets 24 and through which travelingscrews 26 are threaded to secure the L-brackets 24 to the cleat 22, asshown in FIG. 12 . As the travelling screws 26 are tightened, the cleat24 moves upward toward the inside surface of the roof structure on whichthe device 10 is to be installed. When the cleat 24 is pressed firmlyagainst the inside of the roof, the travelling screws 26 will apply adownward pressure on the stand 20, which pulls the flashing 28 firmlyagainst the top of the roof for a sturdier and drier fit. This allowsthe device 10 to grab the roof from the inside and outside of thebuilding, providing a more stable fit and minimizing leaks. It now willbe appreciated that an L-bracket 24 with a horizontal portion 52 havinga length that is greater than or equal to the length of the verticalportion 50 enhances the power of the travelling screws 26 to apply adownward pressure on the 20 stand and pulls the flashing 28 against thetop of the roof.

The rooftop power delivery device 10 preferably, although notnecessarily, meets all NEC and Underwriter's Laboratories requirements,including UL508A, and all welds comply with AWS Section D (StructuralWelding Code—Steel) 1.1 & 1.

The method of use and installation of the present invention now will beexplained. The foregoing discussion of the invention is incorporatedherein. A perforation is formed in a roof through which the stand 20 ofthe rooftop power delivery device 10 is dropped down the hole. Theflashing 28, which remains above the roof on the exterior surface of theroof. The enclosure 12 is positioned directly off the roof, thusmitigating the deleterious effects of heat, humidity, corrosion, waterintrusion and other elements and physical threats. The enclosure 12,stand 20 and flashing 28 are pre-assembled with the stand fitted throughthe central aperture 60 of the flashing, and inserted into theperforation in the roof as a unit.

From the underside, interior surface of the roof, the cleat 22 slidesonto the stand 20 through the central aperture 62 at the bottom end 48of the stand. The L-brackets 24 are inserted in key slots 58 on thestand 20 for ease of installation. The vertical portion 50 of theL-brackets 24 secure the cleat 22 to the stand 20 via bolts throughapertures 59 in correspondence with key slots 58 in the stand.

The horizontal portion 52 of the L-bracket 24 abuts an underside of thecleat 22. Lateral apertures 64 in the cleat 22 mate with apertures 56 inthe horizontal portion 52 of the L-bracket 24 via travelling screws 26threaded therethrough. When the travelling screws 26 tightened, thecleat 22 is moved upward toward the inside of the roof. As the cleat 22is pressed firmly against the inside of the roof, the travelling screws26 apply a downward pressure on the stand 20, which pulls the flashing28 firmly against the top of the roof. This allows the rooftop powerdelivery device 10 to grab the roof from both the inside and outside ofthe roof of the building, providing a superior, stable fit andminimizing leaks.

The stand 20 also forms an enclosed conduit, or raceway, for thetransition of Communication cables, wires, cords and bus bars 40 frominside a building or structure to the enclosure 12 of the rooftop powerdelivery device 10. Electric power cords, ethernet cables, coaxialcables, conductor thermostat wires, and other communication cables,wires, cords and bus bars are threaded or fished through the stand 20and wire into communication with their relative components housed in theenclosure 12.

It now will be appreciated that the subject invention comprises arooftop power delivery device that supplies electric power from theinside of a building to equipment and systems installed on the outsideof the building on a rooftop. The device comprises a white, powdercoated enclosure, disconnects to provide protection for the circuitryand equipment to which power is delivered, a communications module, amounting assembly and a vice assembly. The mounting assembly comprises acleat that allows application of pressure from the outside of therooftop and from the inside of the roof, providing a more secure anddryer fit. Flashing is welded to the stand that is installed on therooftop. The stand extends through the roof through a perforation sizedfor the application, depending on the equipment being installed, with amatching cleat installed on the stand from the inside.

The invention has been described above both generically and with regardto specific embodiments. Although the invention has been set forth inwhat has been believed to be preferred embodiments, a wide variety ofalternatives known to those of skill in the art can be selected with ageneric disclosure. Changes may be made in the combination andarrangement of the various parts, elements, steps and proceduresdescribed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined in the following claims.

I claim:
 1. A method of installing a rooftop delivery device on a roofstructure having an exterior surface and an interior surface for thedelivery of electric power, plumbing and lines to equipment and systemon the roof, the method comprising the steps of: providing a flashing onthe exterior surface of the roof structure; providing a moveable cleatbeneath the interior surface of the roof structure, the moveable cleatbeing adapted to apply pressure from the outside of the rooftop and fromthe inside of the roof to secure the rooftop delivery device to theroof; and providing a vice assembly for moving the cleat toward theinterior surface of the roof structure and clamping the flashing againstthe exterior surface of the roof and the cleat against the interiorsurface of the roof.
 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising thesteps of perforating the roof through the exterior surface and theinterior surface.
 3. The method of claim 2 further comprising the stepsof: securing the flashing to a stand; and inserting the stand in theperforation in the roof so that the flashing remains in contact with theexterior surface of the roof.
 4. The method of claim 3 furthercomprising the step of applying downward pressure on the stand andpulling the flashing firmly against the top of the roof.
 5. The methodof claim 3 further comprising the step of providing an enclosure on thestand proximal the exterior surface of the roof, the enclosurecomprising electrical components or plumbing components for theoperation and monitoring electrical equipment and systems on the roof.6. The method of claim 5 further comprising the step of supplyingcables, wires, cords, lines, tubing, conduit, pipes and/or bus barsthrough the stand and providing power to the components in the enclosureand the equipment and systems on the roof.
 7. A rooftop delivery devicefor supplying electric power, plumbing and lines to equipment andsystems positioned on a roof, the rooftop delivery device comprising: amounting assembly, comprising: a flashing positioned above the roof; amoveable cleat positioned below the roof wherein the moveable cleat isadapted to apply pressure from the outside of the rooftop and from theinside of the roof to secure the rooftop delivery device to the roof;and a vice assembly for clamping the flashing and the cleat against theroof.
 8. The rooftop delivery device of claim 7 further comprising astand for supporting the flashing and the moveable cleat and for housingthe electric power, plumbing and lines through the roof.
 9. The rooftopdelivery device of claim 8 wherein the stand has a length and whereinthe vice assembly comprises at least one bracket for receiving atraveling screw, wherein the traveling screw communicates with thebracket for moving the cleat along the length of the stand.
 10. Therooftop delivery device of claim 9 wherein: the cleat forms a lateralaperture; the at least one bracket is an L-bracket having a verticalportion secured to the stand and a horizontal portion forming anaperture for alignment with the lateral aperture in the cleat forthreadably receiving the traveling screw; and when the traveling screwis threaded through the aperture in the horizontal portion of theL-bracket, the cleat is moved toward an interior surface of the roof andapplies pressure thereto.
 11. The rooftop delivery device of claim 10wherein, as the cleat is pressed against the interior surface of theroof, the travelling screw applies a downward pressure on the stand,which pulls the flashing against the top of the roof.
 12. The rooftopdelivery device of claim 8 further comprising an enclosure for housingelectronic components.
 13. The rooftop delivery device of claim 10wherein the vertical portion and the horizontal portion of the L-bracketeach has a length and wherein the length of the horizontal portion ofthe L-bracket is greater than or equal to the length of the verticalportion.
 14. The rooftop delivery device of claim 12 wherein themounting assembly, the vice assembly, the stand and the enclosure arecomprised of materials selected from the group consisting of carbonsteel, galvanized steel, stainless steel, aluminum, chrome, steelchrome-plated, steel with nickel/silicon carbide composite coating,brass, brass-chrome plated, brass with nickel/silicon carbide composite,stainless steel, stainless chrome-plated, stainless with nickel/siliconcarbide composite coating, carbonitrided steel, nickel carbide platedsteel, tempered steel.
 15. The rooftop delivery device of claim 10wherein the cleat has an outer edge and wherein the horizontal portionof the L-bracket extends to the outer edge of the cleat.
 16. The rooftopdelivery device of claim 10 further comprising at least one gussetpositioned above the flashing between the stand and the flashing. 17.The rooftop delivery device of claim 10, wherein the horizontal portionof the L-bracket is positioned distally from the from the cleat toprovide greater distance between the horizontal portion of theL-bracket.
 18. The rooftop delivery device of claim 10 wherein the sizeand shape of the cleat and the flashing are generally identical tofacilitate uniform application of pressure and the uniform distributionof force to the roof.
 19. The rooftop delivery device of claim 10wherein the cleat has a diameter and the stand has a diameter andwherein the length of the horizontal portion of the L-bracket issubstantially equal to one-half of the diameter of the cleat, less thediameter of the stand.